Mundane Saint

Chapter 77 – At the critical moment of life and death

Under the Tribulation Crossing stage, one cannot challenge those above it.

Such is the truth.

Even with the protective sect formation in place today, and him as the main array master, he only has a ten to twenty percent chance of defeating Huang Li. Moreover, the likely outcome would be Huang Li injured and Xiao Ling dead.

But even so, Xiao Ling cannot retreat!

Because he bears the hope of the entire sect!

Fortunately, Xiao Ling understands this arch-nemesis well. Huang Li is quite a maniacal fellow. Perhaps, for him, it's precisely because there is no one in the Nianling Sect who can fight him that he has the intention to kill and destroy the sect.

"If you want to fight, I'll accompany you."

"Just you and me, at the usual place."

Xiao Ling took the initiative to speak and issued a challenge to Huang Li!

"Oh?" Huang Li's lips curled slightly, "But your half-step Tribulation Crossing stage strength isn't enough!"

"Give me four days, and I can also step into the Tribulation Crossing stage."

Xiao Ling looked at him calmly.

Huang Li's gaze suddenly turned sharp.

"You... are talking nonsense? Four days? You've been stuck at the half-step Tribulation Crossing stage for quite a while, and now you're boasting in front of me, saying you can cross that threshold in four days?"

"If you don't believe me, then let's fight to the death right now."

Xiao Ling, however, appeared resolute and powerful. With a wave of his sleeve, a dark blue Dao force manifested, leaving Huang Li with a decision...

Either fight now or fight in four days.

He didn't hesitate. Rather than crushing this guy now, it would be better to wait four days to see if he could provide some surprises.

"Fine."

"I'll give you four more days."

Huang Li laughed sinisterly, then flicked his sleeve and flew away.

Watching his disappearing figure, Xiao Ling's tense expression finally relaxed.

Seeing his slightly tired and weak appearance, Zhu Ling and the others couldn't help but worry, "Supreme Elder, are you alright?"

"...No problem."

Xiao Ling shook his head with a bitter smile.

His earlier words were naturally just to buy time.

After all, he wasn't sure of victory in the battle four days later... But how could he show any fear? He deliberately spoke boastfully, knowing that Huang Li would fall for it. Otherwise, if he showed any hint of fear, he would surely face disaster.

"Hmph, no matter what, let's delay for now."

Xiao Ling's thoughts turned.

Although he was at the half-step Tribulation Crossing stage, wanting to secure a win against Huang Li, who was at the first level of the Tribulation Crossing stage, was still impossible.

"Let the disciples go back and rest... and take care of Elder Mo's body, give him a proper burial."

Xiao Ling sighed and instructed.

"Yes, Supreme Elder."

Everyone agreed.

Then, Zhu Ling followed Xiao Ling to the Grand Hall of the Nianling Sect's mountain gate.

Xiao Ling sat cross-legged, closed his eyes to rest, and recovered his energy.

The earlier clash of auras, which couldn't even be called a confrontation, had already caused significant internal damage. The gap between him and Huang Li was still too large, and there was still a fierce battle ahead!

If he didn't step into the Tribulation Crossing stage, everything would be over.

"Supreme Elder, if you hadn't stepped in, Huang Li's aggressive approach would have already..."

Zhu Ling said worriedly.

"It seems this time, we must obtain a pill from that senior."

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Xiao Ling opened his eyes, a strange light flickering in them.

"Then... Supreme Elder, have you considered..." Zhu Ling hesitated for a moment, seemingly thinking this question shouldn't be asked, and stopped.

"Considered what?" Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow and asked.

"What if he refuses to give it?"

"Heh..."

Xiao Ling smiled bitterly, "If he refuses, then disperse the disciples of the Nianling Sect, and I'll face Huang Li alone!"

Hearing this, Zhu Ling, even if he had more to say, couldn't voice it.

"You and I will personally visit him, only then will it show sincerity. Our Nianling Sect is already on the brink of life and death."

Xiao Ling continued, standing up and heading towards the mountain gate.

"Alright."

Zhu Ling was silent for a while, then quickly followed.

The two traveled quickly, soon reaching Cloud Spirit City. According to Wu Rong's information, the senior liked peace and had entered the mortal world for this reason. Although cultivators could visit him, they shouldn't be too ostentatious, as he had already entered the mortal world, and they couldn't put on airs.

So, as they approached the city, they landed and walked slowly.

"Don't speak later, I'll communicate with him."

Xiao Ling advised.

"Okay."

Zhu Ling nodded.

Entering Cloud Spirit City, Zhu Ling didn't say much. Xiao Ling, however, looked at the bustling street scene, feeling a bit melancholic.

"Heh, I haven't left the sect's secluded cultivation area for a hundred years. This place feels fresh to me."

The Supreme Elder murmured to himself.

"You're right, Supreme Elder, you should walk around more."

Zhu Ling agreed.

As they chatted, they arrived at the south of Cloud Spirit City. Following Wu Rong's directions, they easily found Gu Heng's Medicine Hall.

Xiao Ling stood at the entrance, squinting at the plaque.

"What's wrong?"

Zhu Ling noticed his change and asked.

Xiao Ling whispered, "This senior... is probably not simple..."

Zhu Ling was stunned.

He stared at the plaque several times but didn't find anything unusual, frowning, "Supreme Elder, what do you mean?"

Xiao Ling softly said, "The true meaning on this plaque is strong."

Having one foot in the Tribulation Crossing stage, he could discern the Dao rhythm conveyed by the words more easily than ordinary cultivators. Naturally, he could sense the power contained in the vivid characters. Moreover, the writing on this plaque had another flavor—

That was...

A strong fighting spirit.

Though hidden, he could vaguely capture the intense aura of slaughter!

This plaque must have been carved by the owner of the Medicine Hall himself.

And looking at these four characters, Xiao Ling even felt he could see the owner's past.

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, "This senior seems to have been a formidable figure. The sharpness of the writing on this plaque is hard to conceal, suggesting his hands are stained with the blood of many foes."

"Is that so?"

Zhu Ling's eyes widened.

Xiao Ling nodded, pondering for a moment, "However... we must be cautious. Although this senior seems to have retired to the mundane world, if we inadvertently provoke his past killing nature... our lives could be at risk."

Hearing this, Zhu Ling immediately understood.

He nodded, agreeing with Xiao Ling's judgment.

"You're absolutely right, Supreme Elder."

After discussing for a moment, Xiao Ling lifted his foot and headed towards the Medicine Hall.

In the front hall, a young man was sitting there, flipping through an account book.

Gu Heng looked up, seeing a young man about his age and a middle-aged man entering together. He frowned, then heard the young man say, "Are you the owner of this Gu Family Medicine Hall?"

"Yes."

"I suppose you are the one Old Master Wu Rong mentioned, the person in charge, correct?"